At this point, one might be able to call Stephen Starr’s Pod a Philadelphia culinary institution. Having been opened for nearly 20 years gets you that status. And very much a part of that story is Executive Chef Todd Lean. Read on for a look at his visit to COOK along with a couple of other key members of Pod’s team. Todd, Sushi Chef Kevin Yanaga and Serpico’s Beverage Manager Anthony Kelley, who is fresh off a 5-year stint at Pod, put together an exciting menu that featured some classics, a couple not-so-traditional items, and tied together with three sake pairings.

Upon arrival, guests were given a traditional chawanmushi with king crab and west coast uni. Chawanmushi is a savory egg custard with velvety texture and subtle sweetness. Pod’s chawanmushi amuse course featured a green tea reduction, adding a gorgeous color and a subtle flavor note.

As a treat, the team brought in bluefin tuna maki complete with shiso and some toro, the fatty, flavorful belly of the tuna. Kevin and Jocelyn rocked it out the traditional way with the nori on the outside.

Kevin kept the sushi rice out for the next two courses. Thinly slicing salmon belly, scallop and bluefin belly, he adorned tiny rice balls for a nigiri trio that they brushed with a soy glaze.

One thing Pod has been known for is adding contemporary touches to traditional dishes. The foie gras hand roll is evidence of that!

A joy of visiting accomplished sushi restaurants is that there is often so much more than sushi to enjoy! Chef Todd did not disappoint, serving two hot courses – seared scallops with miso creamed corn and a saba (mackerel) shioyaki with chili daikon and bacon dashi.

Be sure to visit Todd, Kevin and the rest of the Pod team seven days a week at their University City outpost. In addition to the regular menu, they just started offering an omakase. Literally translated as “I leave it up to you,” an omakase is a tasting menu that is served at the sushi bar only and will feature items not found on the regular menu. Call Pod at 215.387.1803 for details and to make an omakase reservation!